Hi friends! I’m back with another fun and easy Cricut project—and this one is perfect for book lovers, teachers, or anyone who wants to add a little magic to their reading time. Today I’m sharing how to make a double-sided laminated butterfly bookmark using Cricut Design Space, Print Then Cut, and some of my favorite materials! Let’s get started!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links, at no additional cost to you.
DIY Butterfly Bookmark with Cricut
This project features a vibrant butterfly design from Cricut Access and layers of sparkle thanks to holographic laminate. I’ll walk you through the entire process step by step, including how to print on different materials from the same project file and how to give your butterfly “spreaded” wings with a neat folding trick.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s everything I used to create this pretty and functional butterfly bookmark:
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Cricut Explore 3 (or any Print Then Cut capable Cricut machine)
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Photo paper (for a crisp and colorful finish)
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Holographic self-laminating sheets (2 total)
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Glossy printable sticker vinyl (for the double-sided sticker)
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Bone folder or scraper tool (for folding)
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Tape runner or double-sided tape
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My Cricut Design Space Butterfly Bookmark Project (Click here to open)
Step 1: Access My Design in Cricut Design Space
Click the link above to open my butterfly bookmark project in Cricut Design Space. I designed this using Cricut Access images, so make sure you’re signed in with your Access subscription.
This project includes:
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A front butterfly-shaped bookmark (with a score line)
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A matching butterfly design for the back, which we’ll cut from glossy printable sticker vinyl
Since these two parts will be printed on different materials, you’ll want to toggle visibility on and off using the “eye” icon in the Layers panel.
Step 2: Hide the Sticker Before Printing the Bookmark
Before you hit Make It, follow these steps:
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In the Layers panel, find the layer group for the sticker for the back of the bookmark.
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Click the “eye” icon next to that group to hide it temporarily.
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This ensures only the bookmark graphic will be printed and cut.
Now you’re ready to print and cut your main bookmark design on photo paper.
Step 3: Print the Bookmark
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Load glossy photo paper into your inkjet printer.
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In Design Space, click Make It, then Send to Printer.
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Toggle “Add Bleed” OFF and make sure your printer is selected. Make sure your printer is set up to print high quality on premium glossy paper.
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Print the bookmark and allow it to dry completely.
TIP: Increase the QTY to 2 to maximize the use of material. Move over the second bookmark to the first page and rotate it 180 degrees to fit.
I created a video showing you the rest of the process, check it out below:
Step 4: Laminate Before Cutting
Let’s add sparkle! To protect your design and give it a beautiful holographic finish, laminate the bookmark before cutting.
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Apply a holographic self-laminating sheet directly over the printed side of your bookmark. If your Cricut has issues with reading the registration marks on reflective finishes, trim the laminate to fit withing the registration marks.
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Smooth it out using a large felt covered squeegee to eliminate bubbles. See my tutorial to make a felt cover for your ruler.
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Place the laminated sheet face up on your Standard Grip Mat. Make sure the small arrow in the corner is facing the right direction.
Step 5: Cut and Score the Bookmark
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In Design Space, set the material to Heavy Cardstock.
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Insert the Scoring Stylus into Clamp A of your Cricut.
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Load your mat and press Go—your Cricut will first score the folding lines, then cut the full shape.
Once it’s done, gently remove your bookmark from the mat and set it aside.
Step 6: Hide the Bookmark and Show the Sticker
Now let’s prep the laminated sticker for the back of the bookmark.
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Go back to your Canvas in Design Space.
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Click the eye icon to hide the bookmark layers, and unhide the sticker layers by clicking their eye icon.
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This ensures that only the sticker graphic will be printed next.
Step 7: Print and Laminate the Sticker
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Load glossy printable sticker vinyl into your printer.
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In Design Space, click Make It, then Send to Printer. Increase qty to 4 to maximize material use.
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Turn “Add Bleed” ON and print the sticker graphic.
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Apply a holographic self-laminating sheet over the sticker before cutting.
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Smooth out any bubbles and place it on your mat.
Step 8: Cut the Sticker
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In Design Space, set your material setting to Medium Cardstock.
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Load your mat into the Cricut and press Go.
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Once cut, weed away any excess material and carefully peel your laminated sticker from the mat.
Step 9: Add the Sticker to the Bookmark
Now it’s time to layer the back!
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Lay your laminated bookmark flat on the table.
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Carefully align the laminated sticker and place it on the back side of the bookmark. Lining it up with the butterfly shape.
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Press it down firmly, smoothing out from the center to the edges.
Adding the sticker first helps ensure everything is perfectly aligned before folding and taping.
Step 10: Fold and Finish the Bookmark
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Using a bone folder (or your Cricut scraper), crease the center fold line to get a crisp, clean fold.
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This step is key for creating that beautiful “spreaded wings” look where the butterfly pops off the page!
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Once folded, use a tape runner or double-sided adhesive to secure the inside of the bookmark so it stays together.
Now you have a beautiful, double-sided butterfly bookmark that sparkles from every angle!
Bonus Tips:
- These bookmarks are perfect as party favors, teacher appreciation gifts, or classroom handouts.
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Try mixing in glitter laminate, alternate shapes, or seasonal themes for even more DIY fun.
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Add a hole at the bottom and thread a tassel or ribbon for an extra polished touch.
And that’s it! I love how this project combines beauty, function, and a little sparkle. Whether you’re making a single bookmark for yourself or a whole stack for gifts, this Cricut project is so satisfying!
If you give it a try, be sure to tag me @MichellesPartyPlanIt—I’d love to see your version of this butterfly beauty!
Happy Crafting!
Want more bookmark ideas? Check these out…
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How to Make Magnetic Bookmarks with Cricut
Learn to craft functional and decorative magnetic bookmarks using the Print Then Cut feature in Cricut Design Space. -
DIY Bookmark Bonanza
Explore a variety of bookmark designs in this collection, perfect for crafters seeking diverse styles and techniques. -
How to Make Clear Corner Butterfly Bookmarks with Cricut
Create elegant clear corner bookmarks featuring butterfly designs, adding a unique twist to traditional bookmarks.
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